Questions and Answers
Who is the author of Lord of the Flies?
What is the setting of Lord of the Flies?
A deserted island
Name two characters from Lord of the Flies.
Piggy and Ralph
What are the traits of Piggy?
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What is Ralph's role in the story?
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What animal is present on the island?
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What causes the boys to end up on the island?
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How are the island's surroundings described?
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What does Jack become obsessed with?
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What is the function of the conch?
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What is the birthmark boy afraid of?
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What happens to Piggy during the chapter?
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What trouble do they face with the fire?
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How does Jack react to Ralph's leadership?
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What do the little ones have nightmares about?
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What do Ralph and Jack argue about?
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What does Ralph think of Simon?
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What do Jack's hunting experiences make him feel?
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Study Notes
Author and Characters
- William Golding is the author of "Lord of the Flies."
- Main characters include Ralph, Piggy, Jack, Simon, the birthmark boy, and the twins (Sam and Eric).
Setting
- The story unfolds on a deserted island surrounded by palm trees and a coral reef.
- The island features a variety of landscapes, including a blue-green lagoon, sandy beaches, and raised platforms of pink granite.
- No adults are present on the island; the children's isolation becomes a central theme.
Plot Overview
- The boys end up on the island due to a plane crash during an atomic bomb attack.
- The initial group dynamics center around trying to establish order, with meetings to assign tasks for survival.
Character Descriptions
- Piggy: Intelligent but insecure, wears glasses, suffers from asthma, and is often marginalized by others.
- Ralph: Charismatic leader at age 12, has blonde hair and a strong build. He desires rescue and order.
- Jack: Initially a choir leader, he embodies savagery and becomes obsessed with hunting pigs.
- Simon: Compassionate and insightful, he represents a moral compass among the boys.
- Birthmark boy: Represents innocence and fear, ultimately becomes a victim of the chaos.
Group Dynamics
- Meetings are held for organization, but post-meeting effort is minimal as boys tend to wander or hunt.
- Tension escalates between Jack and Ralph, reflecting competing visions for leadership and survival.
Symbolism
- The conch shell becomes a symbol of authority and order; whoever holds it can speak.
- The fire represents hope and rescue, but is neglected by the group.
Key Events
- Jack's initial fear and eventual obsession with hunting shows a transformation into savagery.
- Piggy's role diminishes as he is ignored and mocked, highlighting group dynamics that prioritize physical strength over intellect.
- The boys’ fear of a "beast" begins with the birthmark boy's nightmare, igniting paranoia.
- A significant forest fire caused by their carelessness leads to the loss of the birthmark boy.
Conflicts
- Jack and Ralph's conflicting priorities emphasize the struggle between civilization and savagery.
- The hunters celebrate their kill, chanting “Kill the pig. Cut her throat. Spill her blood,” marking their descent into brutality.
Climactic Moments
- The confrontation between Ralph and Jack showcases their differing values; Ralph prioritizes rescue, while Jack revels in savagery.
- Jack lashes out at Piggy and the surrounding tensions culminate in violence, signaling the breakdown of order.
Themes
- The story explores themes of civilization vs. savagery, loss of innocence, and the fundamental nature of humanity under stress.
- Fear plays a crucial role in the group's dynamics and behavior, influencing their descent into chaos.
Final Reflections
- Ralph's call for assembly at the end emphasizes his struggle to maintain civil order amid rising savagery.
- The narrative reveals the fragile nature of societal constructs and the darkness within human nature when stripped of civilization.
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Description
Dive into the world of William Golding's 'Lord of the Flies' with these flashcards covering key terms from Chapters 1 to 4. Explore definitions of important concepts such as characters, setting, and themes that shape the story. Perfect for students wanting to revise essential knowledge about this classic novel.